The Family Justice Strategy in 2026 and Beyond

Family law affects some of the most personal and important moments in people’s lives. In Ireland, there has long been recognition that the family justice system can be complex, slow, and difficult to navigate, particularly for children and vulnerable parties. In response to these challenges, the State introduced the Family Justice Strategy 2022-2025 as the first coordinated plan to modernise how family law disputes are resolved.

As the Strategy period draws to a close, attention is now turning to what happens next. Developments planned for 2026 and beyond signal a shift from policy design to practical implementation, with new court structures, clearer guidance on child maintenance, and stronger child-centred supports. This article outlines what the Strategy set out to achieve, what progress has been made so far, and what families and practitioners can expect in the years ahead.

What the Family Justice Strategy 2022-2025 sets out

The 2022-2025 Strategy set out a comprehensive plan to reform how family law disputes are addressed. It is the first strategy of its kind and is intended as a foundation for long-term change rather than a one-off intervention. At its core, the Strategy seeks to move the family justice system towards one that is more accessible, less adversarial, and better aligned with the needs of children and families.

A clear vision and guiding principles

The Strategy is built around a vision of a family justice system that:

• puts children’s rights, welfare, and voices at the centre of decision-making,
• is user-focused and easier for families to understand and navigate,
• encourages early resolution of disputes where appropriate,
• is fair, timely, and proportionate, and
• is informed by research, data, and lived experience.

These principles reflect a recognition that family law disputes are not purely legal in nature and that outcomes are often improved when legal processes are supported by appropriate services and information.

Nine key goals shaping reform

To deliver on its vision, the Strategy identifies nine overarching goals. Together, they provide a framework for reform across policy, practice, and infrastructure:

1. Supporting children – with a focus on hearing the voice of the child and ensuring that processes minimise harm and delay.
2. Services and supports – including access to counselling, mediation, and other family support services.
3. Information and awareness – aimed at improving how families access clear, plain language guidance about family law and court processes.
4. Alternative dispute resolution – promoting mediation and other non-court-based solutions where suitable.
5. People development – covering training and support for judges, practitioners, and professionals working with families.
6. Data and information management – to improve transparency, evaluation, and evidence-based policy.
7. Digitalisation – supporting modern, user-friendly systems and online access where appropriate.
8. Facilities, infrastructure, and case management – including modern court buildings and better use of court time.
9. Legislative reform – to ensure that family law legislation supports the overall aims of the Strategy.

From policy to practical action

The Strategy is accompanied by a detailed action plan, with more than fifty individual actions spread across the nine goals. These actions range from reviewing existing laws and procedures to developing new guidance, tools, and facilities. Importantly, the Strategy acknowledges that reform must be coordinated across multiple bodies, including the courts, government departments, and service providers.

Rather than promising immediate transformation, the Strategy frames reform as an ongoing process. Its purpose is to set direction, build momentum, and establish the structures needed to deliver meaningful improvements in how family justice operates in Ireland.

Early progress and actions to date

Since the publication of the 2022-2025 Strategy, various early steps have been taken to move from policy commitments to practical change. While many reforms are long-term in nature, initial progress has focused on laying the groundwork for a more accessible and child-centred system.

Improving access to information

One of the earliest and most visible areas of progress has been in public information. Work has been undertaken to improve the availability of plain language family law information, helping people better understand court processes, available supports, and alternatives to litigation. This reflects the Strategy’s emphasis on empowering families to make informed decisions at an early stage.

Legislative and policy developments

Alongside information initiatives, legislative reform has continued, most notably with the enactment of the Family Courts Act 2024, which provides the statutory framework for a new, dedicated family courts structure. In parallel, policy reviews have examined areas such as child maintenance enforcement, aiming to identify gaps and improve consistency and fairness in outcomes.

Preparing for structural change

Progress has also been made on the physical and organisational infrastructure needed to support reform. Planning and procurement work has advanced in relation to the new Dublin Family Courts complex at Hammond Lane, intended to bring court services together with mediation and family supports in a more suitable environment. The Courts Service anticipates completion during 2028.

Developments in 2026

This year marks a transition point for family justice reform. With the formal Strategy period at an end, the focus shifts to implementation, delivery, and evaluation of the changes already signalled.

Key areas of activity in 2026 will include:

• Implementing the new family courts structure – with work focused on finalising the implementation plan and preparing for phased commencement, with the first family courts planned to come into operation from January 2027.
• Rolling out child maintenance reforms – including the introduction of child maintenance guidelines and an online calculator.
• Strengthening child-centred practices – through the publication of guidance and templates relating to the voice of the child, alongside pilot initiatives designed to better support children engaging with the family justice system.
• Advancing infrastructure projects – particularly the continued procurement and development of the new Dublin Family Courts complex at Hammond Lane.
• Embedding learning and evaluation – using data, pilot outcomes, and feedback to inform how reforms are refined and expanded in subsequent years.

Overall, 2026 represents a move from planning to practice. The emphasis is on ensuring that reforms translate into real improvements for families, children, and practitioners, while also setting the direction for the next phase of family justice reform beyond the original Strategy.

Looking for legal assistance with a family law matter?

If you require guidance on any aspect of family law, or if you are affected by changes in the family justice system, the family law team at McCarthy + Co Solicitors LLP will be glad to assist you. Arrange a consultation using our quick and confidential online form.